Single Idea 8604

[catalogued under 8. Modes of Existence / B. Properties / 10. Properties as Predicates]

Full Idea

We need properties, sometimes natural and sometimes not, to provide an adequate supply of semantic values for linguistic expressions.

Gist of Idea

We need properties as semantic values for linguistic expressions

Source

David Lewis (New work for a theory of universals [1983], 'Un and Prop')

Book Reference

'Properties', ed/tr. Mellor,D.H. /Oliver,A [OUP 1997], p.194


A Reaction

A characteristically twentieth century approach, which I find puzzling. We don't need a Loch Ness Monster in order to use the term 'Loch Ness Monster'. Lewis appears to have been a pupil of Quine... He was not, though, a Predicate Nominalist.